[Birth asphyxia in term newborns: Diagnosis, prognosis, neuroprotection]

Abstract

Birth asphyxia occurs in 0.5% of term deliveries. Prognosis of newborns with birth asphyxia depends on clinical features of neonatal encephalopathy. The outcome of infants without encephalopathy is excellent. In contrast, neurological outcome of infants with encephalopathy is poor: 40 to 100% of neurodevelopmental disabilities according to the grade of encephalopathy. Prognosis can be more accurately assessed by EEG and MRI. Infants with encephalopathy following birth asphyxia must be referred as soon as possible in centers where neuroprotection by hypothermia is available.